A woman has been arrested and charged with theft following an anti-shoplifting operation carried out by special constables in St Albans city centre.

The exercise, which took place from 9am until 5pm on Saturday, January 4, was set up to deter and catch shoplifters and purse thieves.

A spokesman for Herts Police said that four special constables took part, carrying out both covert and high visibility patrols.

David Lloyd, police and crime commissioner for Herts, paid tribute to the volunteers for making an “excellent contribution” and detaining people alleged to have been targeting shops in St Albans.

Neighbourhood inspector Mark Loveday said: “I am extremely grateful for our special constables giving up their time to help keep St Albans’ town centre a safe place to visit.

“We will continue to carry out both high visibility and covert patrols to deter would-be thieves and catch shoplifters.”

The police are currently looking to recruit more special constables from all backgrounds across Herts to support a variety of roles in the service.

The force is also keen to recruit rural special constables who can help regular officers to police the countryside – particularly those with an interest in rural issues and wildlife.

Visit www.herts.police.uk/specials for more information.

• Janine Brooks, 24, of Bardwell Court in St Albans, has been charged with two counts of theft. She has been released on bail and is due to appear in the Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 14.